Heidfeld criticises 'stupid' Sutil

The Force India driver spun while trying to pass Jaime Alguersuari's Toro Rosso, and then accelerated into Heidfeld's BMW Sauber as he tried to rejoin.

Heidfeld had to park his car immediately, while Sutil pitted for a new front wing then had to retire in the pits with brake damage.

"I think it was quite obvious from the TV," said Heidfeld.

"I still think it was completely stupid of Sutil, he kept going and went back onto the circuit without looking. I was past him with my front and he accelerated into my car.

"Obviously I thought he would stop. I took a gap and when I saw moving I moved to the left. He should look where he goes."

When asked if there was any action BMW should take over the incident, Heidfeld replied: "Maybe we try to find a brain for him!"

Sutil apologised to Heidfeld for the tangle.

"After the start I was stuck behind Jaime and I could not find a way past," he said. "In the end I had several opportunities to pass and it was not enough.

"I saw a gap, tried it again, he closed the door, we touched a bit and spun, then Nick came around the corner and hit my front wing.

"I am sorry for him. I tried to keep the engine running - I didn't see there were cars coming because it was right next to barrier in front of me, cars flying around the corner."

The accident meant Heidfeld's record run of race finishes has finally ended. The German last retired from a grand prix 41 races ago at Indianapolis in 2007.

"Obviously it is disappointing," he said. "I hope it is a record that will stay for a while. Still disappointing not to finish a race like this."